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The Leica/Hexar RF Culture War

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fran__ois_p._weill

fran__ois_p._weill

Posted
Posted

Hi John

 

<p>

 

You write:

 

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�Why do people place so much faith on matrix metering anyway?�

 

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First and foremost did you really ever used a matrix metering

equipped camera?

 

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Now what are the actual advantage of having a matrix metering?

IMHO, AE mode is something you have generally absolutely no real

interest to use. The problem lies in the fact that ergonomically

speaking it doesn�t bring you any real advantage in speed above the

manual mode. Why? Just because you need like you do with manual

metering to point your camera to meter the right zone (assuming the

meter has a metering angle sufficiently precise to do so, which is

about the case of both the M7 or the Hexar RF). Then, of course, you

just have to re-compose. Proceeding in manual mode, you will chose

your shutter speed according to the subject in advance and will

meter the appropriate zone and manually set the correct aperture,

then re-compose� The practical difference in speed is almost

negligible. So the advantage of AE lock mode (I don�t see any

advantage of simple AE mode) is very thin, but the fact you set in

advance the aperture (so you can control the DOF in advance

precisely) and just get the right speed when pointing the camera to

the right zone with more accuracy due to the electronic shutter. All

in all AE lock mode doesn�t bring you much in terms of speed of

operation. My point is when you need an automatism, whatever it is,

you cannot justify to delegate your choice to a mechanic but when it

brings you speedier operation.

 

<p>

 

A matrix metering is something quite different. In fact calling it a

metering is an abuse� It is much more than that. First the metering

elements of the matrix feed a lot of information into the computer

included in your camera, then this information (different metering

from different part of the subject) are compared to a library of

examples so it is by no mean an average which is taken into account

for the final treatment but a true computer analysis of the subject.

Of course, this computer won�t make an artistic interpretation of

the subject as you can do manually but the experience proves it will

bring you a useable negative or slide according to the rules of

exposure 90% of the time. And it will do that WITHOUT ANY NEED TO RE-

COMPOSE�

 

If you agree to the rule �never use an automatism when not

absolutely needed� (a conscious choice) then a matrix metering will

permit you to register many fleeting subjects the traditional

guesswork won�t permit you to register and in a much higher

proportion than with any other metering system. If used only with

this subject it works 90% of the time (at least) EVEN IN HIGHLY

BACKLIT SITUATIONS as the computer will recognize these situation

(as it will recognize the presence in the image of a light source

(sun or otherwise) and simply put aside this zone in the metering

determination. I had this feature on my Nikon F4S and it is the only

feature I really miss since I went to rangefinder cameras.

 

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Now, if time allows, I prefer manual and spot-metering and decide

myself.

 

<p>

 

For me, as a lot of small format rangefinder users (and I think it

was the original spirit they were conceived for), these cameras are

primarily destined to capture the instant so such a feature is

sorely missed when a situation arise which will necessitate maximum

speed in action.

 

<p>

 

Another use of matrix metering is when you can�t really shoot with

the eye in the finder of the camera: hip or dissimulated camera

shots or shooting the arm extended over a crowd. In these

situations, provided you use a wide angle set to the correct DOF

position you can anticipate a perfectly exposed (technically

speaking) 90% of the time�

 

<p>

 

I agree most automatism are dumb� Matrix metering is just something

less stupid than any other automatism I used on a camera� True

a �lazy� photographer will certainly try to use it almost

continuously, but do you think this lazy guy will learn how to

expose properly in manual mode ? (not speaking of any kind of

artistic interpretation of exposure).

 

On the opposite a conscious photographer will use this automatism

only when required and be rewarded by a higher percentage of usable

(if not artistic) images and would be able to capture some very

fleeting instants the older techniques would have missed most of the

time (I say most of the time as these kind of instants might be

captured before matrix metering but only by chance and with a high

rate of failure)�

 

<p>

 

So that�s why I think matrix metering to be a necessary feature in a

truly modern small format rangefinder camera and being totally

optional in its use it doesn�t preclude anyone to go manual�

 

<p>

 

Friendly

 

<p>

 

François P. WEILL

 

<p>

 

 

 

 

<p>

 

 

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pallet fork

pallet fork

Posted
Posted

Francois, all in all I do not disagree and yes I have on occasion

used a matrix metering camera - in fact one with 1000+ color

sensitive points (just don't tell anyone ok).

 

<p>

 

The problem or blessing ( depending on which way you look at it)

with matrix metering is that one of the most important

conscious/artistic decisions is being made for you through a "black

box". In the hands of someone competent this is just another tool

and a handy option. For a beginner ... well matrix metering might

help flatten the learning curve a bit.

 

<p>

 

The problem with auto-everything in modern times is the reversion to

the mean. The AF/matrix meter camera has done the same to

photography what MS windows have done to computing or the automatic

transmission to automobiles.

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fotografz

fotografz

Posted
Posted

Fancois, good point by point reply. I'll give the Hexar another go.

I don't agree that the focusing is an unproven issue. To many

articles and postings on the subject. As to setting it on multiple

to improve the lag issue...? Whatever the setting, the M shoots

exactly when I tell it to, the Hexar doesn't. It's a documented fact

as mentioned in another post here. Admittedly, we're talking

nano seconds, but it shows up in the proofs. As to loading, it

may be in my head ( lack of confidence under fire ), but

M or Hexar, I carry the film already out of the canister for space

and speed reasons. Also, I travel and have to have the stuff

visable-- or you have to open EVERY canister for the guard.

Times that by 50 rolls and you miss the flight. I think after

shooting an M6 for 15 years I can say it's reasonably stood the

test of time. All that said, I WILL give the Hexar more time and

effort. After all I already own it. Thanks for taking the time to

respond.

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fran__ois_p._weill

fran__ois_p._weill

Posted
Posted

Hi John,

 

<p>

 

You write:

 

<p>

 

>> Francois, all in all I do not disagree and yes I have on occasion

used a matrix metering camera - in fact one with 1000+ color

sensitive points (just don't tell anyone ok).

The problem or blessing ( depending on which way you look at it)

with matrix metering is that one of the most important

conscious/artistic decisions is being made for you through a "black

box". In the hands of someone competent this is just another tool

and a handy option. For a beginner ... well matrix metering might

help flatten the learning curve a bit. <<

 

<p>

 

I agree 100% with you John� My requirement for matrix metering is

just when there�s no time enough to consciously decide (and moreover

execute the necessary actions)� Of course there will be no artistic

interpretation there but I think in these very occasions matrix

metering is a real advantage, the subject by itself has power enough

to give feelings, emotion and sense to your shot. A shot you�ll

generally miss completely otherwise�

 

<p>

 

>> The problem with auto-everything in modern times is the reversion

to the mean. The AF/matrix meter camera has done the same to

photography what MS windows have done to computing or the automatic

transmission to automobiles. <<

 

<p>

 

Well, I have quite a tendency to consider people who will rely on

auto-all every time are anyway generally more �souvenir hunters�

than really interested in Photography� I�m 48 now and my first

automatic transmission car was bought about five years ago (they are

not that common in Europe). I almost always use the selector (but I

do appreciate the absence of the clutch pedal)� Most people who use

the automatic transmission all the way and never move the selector I

know were sloppy drivers with manual gears� I think the same applies

with automatisms in cameras� But I hate AF (as I do not practice

action tele-photography like a wildlife or sport photographer does)

as the practical way this automatism is conceived doesn�t permit a

perfect reversion to manual� I don�t think to be dominated by

technology is something unavoidable, on the contrary we must

dominate technology. It is more a question of will than anything

else� If we refuse to use it, be sure as most people will accept to

be dominated by it, we will be crushed in the process, because we

will be forced to accept automatism without options which is IMHO

the real danger�

 

<p>

 

Friendly

 

<p>

 

François P. WEILL

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fran__ois_p._weill

fran__ois_p._weill

Posted
Posted

Hi Marc,

 

<p>

 

You write

 

<p>

 

>> Francois, good point by point reply. <<

 

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Thanks for the compliment Marc

 

<p>

 

>> I'll give the Hexar another go. I don't agree that the focusing

is an unproven issue. To many articles and postings on the subject.<<

 

<p>

 

Well it seems the focusing problem was something linked to the first

series issued� It never manifested with mine. Besides, it can be

fixed� However, I can understand the need for some people to have a

larger magnification in the finder and a rangefinder effective base

allowing them to use the Nocilux of 75mm Summilux wide open�

 

<p>

 

>> As to setting it on multiple to improve the lag issue...? <<

 

<p>

 

I experimented it and was surprised to find the lag is much shorter

(besides the sound made by the motor is less perceptible ! �

 

<p>

 

>> Whatever the setting, the M shoots exactly when I tell it to, the

Hexar doesn't. It's a documented fact as mentioned in another post

here. Admittedly, we're talking nano seconds, but it shows up in the

proofs. <<

 

<p>

 

I used for many years SLR�s which were plagued by a much more

important lag� From what you said, I think your concern is in the

capture of fleeting expressions of your subject (may be during an

interview (correct me if I err)� I practiced more than often this

kind of work. I came to the conclusion the most significant

expressions, characteristic of a person are in fact recurrent� If

you observe this person long enough you�ll be aware when this

characteristic expression or attitude will surface again by

analysing the first move in the face or the attitude which will

announce the return of the interesting moment� This is how I

overcame the lag problem with a SLR. I think it will be even easier

with an Hexar RF. Besides, I�m not sure the lag will not be apparent

with the M7 as it seems to have been indicated by some posts here.

If this is really your main concern, I can also admit a M5 or M6

will be a better choice�

 

<p>

 

>> As to loading, it may be in my head ( lack of confidence under

fire ), but M or Hexar, I carry the film already out of the canister

for space and speed reasons. <<

 

<p>

 

Well, I never practiced like that (but I often had at least two

bodies under fire)� I often experienced problems loading my M4-P or

my M5 when compared to what is possible with a classical hinged door

(and that darn base plate you have to maintain by whatever mean!). I

don�t say the Hexar RF loading procedure is ideal (a more classical

way would probably have given more certainty of avoiding

misloadings) but I literally hate the M way of loading�

 

<p>

 

>> Also, I travel and have to have the stuff visible-- or you have

to open EVERY canister for the guard. Times that by 50 rolls and you

miss the flight. <<

 

<p>

 

My time as a photojournalist ended long before Sept. 11th and I

never had to be searched so thoroughly� The misloadings I had with

the Hexar were ever related to an improper flatness of the lead

which in turn precluded the film roll to seat properly in position

(difficult to explain with words but easy to see in practice)� Your

need to stock films out of the canisters might not help to much to

avoid the lead being not flat enough� I don�t see any practical

solution to this problem� May be someone has already devised one�

 

<p>

 

>> I think after shooting an M6 for 15 years I can say it's

reasonably stood the test of time.<<

 

<p>

 

Marc, I never said the M6 doesn�t stood the test of time� My point

is we have no sufficient experience with the Hexar RF to say this

body won�t stood it the same way (or even better). By the way, a

comparative between an M6 and the Hexar RF is something I don�t

think absolutely fit. For me the M6 is much overpriced because

almost everything in it is amortized since a long, long time but it

is an all mechanical camera with its own good points and its related

shortcomings. I lived a long time with an M5 and I whish I would

have lived even longer with it. The Hexar RF is something to be

compared with an M7 and here I think most of your criticisms

particularly the shutter lag will be relevant too� My point is the

Hexar RF is a much better value for money than an M7 and I am really

deceived by what Leica has done there�

 

<p>

 

>> All that said, I WILL give the Hexar more time and effort. After

all I already own it. Thanks for taking the time to respond. <<

 

<p>

 

My pleasure Marc

 

<p>

 

François P. WEILL

 

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